Feds violate official Canada flag guidelines with rainbow Pride post

The Canadian government faced online backlash after posting an image of the Canadian flag modified in Pride colours, triggering a community note that pointed out the image violated official guidelines

The Canadian government faced online backlash after posting an image of the Canadian flag modified in Pride colours, triggering a community note that pointed out the image violated official flag guidelines.

The government of Canada’s official X page posted an image on Sunday with a Canadian flag in Pride colours on Sunday.

“In Canada we know that diversity is our strength and we love to celebrate it! This #BeingYouDay, let it be a reminder to be authentically yourself and celebrate all the things that make you, YOU,” the feds posted.

Shortly after, the image was flagged with a community note pointing out that the Government of Canada’s own website states the national flag “should not be written on or marked in any way, nor be covered by other objects.”

The rules also state that the Canadian flag “must not be modified.”

The original post is filled with disapproving comments, many stating “that’s not my flag” or that the feds promoting an altered version of the flag was “disrespectful.”

“Diversity is not a strength, it does not promote cohesion once you go beyond a certain point and then causes social fractures,” one user on X said. “How about being a bit more mindful of all citizens?”

One user said socialist leaders of the Bolshevik revolution, which led to the Soviet Union, would be “proud” of the government’s cultural deconstruction methods in social messaging.”

Some, though the minority on the social media post, said they were grateful that the government posted an image that they viewed as representing love and acceptance.

“Actually a great post, love is love. Its important to let those know who might be unsure of their preferences know the rest of the world is acceptance of their preferences,” Andrew Reinsma said on the post. “A great day for it. You’re friends will always be your friends, no one will discriminate.”

Another celebrated the altered flag and post as a “celebration of light.”